A CAMPAIGN encouraging more people to take on an allotment in Darlington has proved a big success.

The town's residents have been digging their way to a healthier lifestyle after a year-long initiative by the borough council.

Since the launch of the campaign, the number of vacant allotment plots in the town has been reduced by nearly 25 per cent, with only 58 of 826 now free.

The authority's resources scrutiny committee set out to improve access to plots, involve more young and disabled people and enhance security at sites.

One of the key developments has been the formation of a partnership between the council and Groundwork West Durham.

That led to the creation of two allotment associations, at Barmpton Lane and Glebe Road.

Groundwork is continuing its work with the new associations and the existing one at West Cemetery.

The three associations are in the final stages of negotiation with the council to secure self-management, whereby the groups would manage their own grounds, maintenance, grass cutting and rent collection.

The committee chairman, Councillor Ian Haszeldine, said: "Keeping an allotment is no longer seen as the pastime of older people. It is an activity that not only produces something usable and healthy but one that keeps you fit and nurtures friendships and contact between different age groups within a community."